To Florence
Sister, when at the grassy mound I standWhich holds in cold embrace thy mortal frame,The tears unbidden rush into my eyesAnd wash away from me all save the sightOf thy pure life and patient suffering.And ever and anon comes memoryOf days gone by when health's bright sun did shineUpon us both. And tho within the cloudI stand, content I am to think of theeAnd live as best I may, till by thy sideIn God's own time, I lay me down to rest.
